The Monegasques dominated Baskonia 102-92 thanks to an efficient team effort and regained shooting accuracy. This victory provides a fresh boost ahead of tomorrow night’s game against Nanterre.
1st Quarter:
Both teams set up their play well, offering a good game of basketball. They traded blows during the first eight minutes.
This is reassuring for the Monegasques, as we hadn’t seen such an offensive level for a few games. However, they will need to find additional resources to distance themselves from Baskonia.
It would be preferable to avoid a tight match.
The last two minutes of the quarter are in favor of Vasilis Spanoulis’s men, who manage to take a five-point lead: 29-23 at the end of the first ten minutes.
2nd Quarter:
Baskonia starts this quarter strongly and takes the lead after a swift 6-0 run.
But Nikola Mirotic takes charge of the game and showcases his entire offensive arsenal against the Italian defenders: long-distance shots, mid-range, near the hoop. Baskonia’s coach calls a timeout at 38-32 to avoid a Monegasque wave.
With Mirotic off the court, Monaco continues to play well but remains very inaccurate. Basketball is a game of precision: for now, shots are not landing despite good offensive plays.
Baskonia remains focused and accurate, taking the lead. Both teams continue to trade blows until the whistle at the end of the first half: 46-50 in favor of the visitors.
3rd Quarter:
Monaco continues to play well offensively, and their shooting accuracy returns. No individual stands out; it truly is the collective effort shining through, and that’s encouraging.
The Italians resist as best they can, avoiding a breakdown. Monaco regains the lead fairly easily.
Thanks to some individual efforts, the visitors hold on, but it’s tough. Very few fouls are committed, and the game progresses quickly.
At the end of the quarter, Monaco leads 75-73. The gap is small, but Monaco seems to be gaining the upper hand. It is crucial to remain focused and finish this game properly.
4th Quarter:
Monaco begins the period with the same intensity and even ramps up their defensive efforts to close the game quickly.
The Monegasque steamroller is once again in motion. The game turns into a one-sided affair, and the coaches pull their key players to rest them and prepare for future matches.
This last quarter is of little interest.
The men from the Principality win 102-92. They will need to use this victory to regain momentum and finish the season with a bang. They have a rendezvous in 13 days against Maccabi Tel Aviv to confirm this victory.
The Monegasques will face Nanterre tomorrow at 7 PM in the French championship.
Matthieu Brabant
